Oklahoma Lawmakers Object to Funding for Non-Profits

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Two state lawmakers are asking Republican Governor Mary Fallin to block tax dollars from being used to fund non-profit groups.

State Representatives Paul Wesselhoft of Moore and Sally Kern of Oklahoma City say more than $12 million appropriated to four state agencies this year are intended for non-profits. Examples of the spending include the IPRA National Finals Rodeo, which has received $50,000 over a two-year period, the Rural Enterprise Institute, which has received $2.25 million over three years, and the OK Expo, which got $2 million this year.

Wesselhoft says he believes tax dollars should not go to non-profit organizations. He says the spending is contrary to the spirit of the Oklahoma Constitution.

Kern says that when lawmakers pass a state budget, they intend that the tax money be spent appropriately.